The Scottish War Memorials Project

Adam Brown · Posted: Fri Apr 06, 2007 2:40 pm Post subject: Leith Academy, Edinburgh

Leith Academy War Memorials
Location: Entrance Hall Leith Academy, Easter Road
OS Ref: NT 272 755
Not listed on UKNIWM

Unfortunately the Second World War memorial is obscured by some electrical boxes and in front of the Great War memorial is a good place for the Janitor to store his long ladder and the noticeboards.

I moved them to get the photos and hopefully they'll notice and leave it clear from now on but I doubt it. The Great War memorial is painted and the surface has been scratched a couple of times. It needs some TLC but unfortunately its location means it is most likely forgotten for 51 weeks of the year.

Great War Memorial

Inscription

The inscription makes me wonder if another memorial still exists in the original Academy building.

Close up of names

Second World War (no names)

I wonder if this was made for the new School in 1992?

Detail of shield

Location of two memorials either side of the main entrance

Clutter around the Great War memorial. This is after I had moved the ladder and pulled the notice boards out of the way for a photograph.

Adam

Alexander Purves · Joined: 13 Jan 2009 Posts: 2

The names of FP's killed in action were placed in a Book of Honour compiled by the FP Assoc and presented to the Academy in early/mid 1950's. There was a page for each deceased FP with details of years at the Academy, military unit and where killed, etc. I submitted details of my brother, Ian, who was reported KIA at the Fall of Singapore.

Alex. Purves

DerekR · Posted: Tue Jan 13, 2009 8:11 pm Post subject:

Alex,
Welcome to the forum.

Have you any idea where the Book of Honour is now?
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Alexander Purves · Joined: 13 Jan 2009 Posts: 2

Sorry, Derek, I don't know where the Book of Honour now is. Presumably it is kept in the school office?

As aye
Alex

apanderson · Posted: Tue Jan 20, 2009 9:11 pm Post subject:

The Scotsman, Monday 19th September 1921, Page 9

LEITH ACADEMY MEMORIAL

In memory of those connected with Leith Academy who were killed in the war, a mural tablet of handsome design, bearing the names of the fallen, was unveiled in the school gymnasium on Saturday by Viscountess Novar. Rector Tait, who presided at thre ceremony, read the names inscribed on the tablet.

In a dedicatory address, Viscount Novar said it was befitting that one who long represented Leith in Parliament, and was known to the parents of the boys who fought in the war, should officiate at the unveiling of a memorial to those of that school who freely gave their service and their lives to King and country. In unveiling the tablet, they bowed their heads to the memory of those who forgot claims of self, and sacrificed life itself that their country might have freedom.

Professor Darroch, Chairman of Edinburgh Education Authority, accepted custody of the memorial. Thers who took part in the service were the Rev. Dr. J. M. Scott and the Rev. Dr. D. Kilpatrick.

Adam Brown · Posted: Wed Jan 21, 2009 9:19 am Post subject:

ADP

That’s very interesting. I wonder if this means the old memorial is still intact in the old building beside Leith Links?

Secondly I think Ayr Academy has their war memorial in the gymnasium too. Would this be so that they could assemble the whole school in one place at the same time in front of the memorial and crucially that place was indoors for a mid November service?

Adam
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Scottish Monuments & Memorials

apanderson · Posted: Wed Jan 21, 2009 12:26 pm Post subject:

It was me who was resposible for the above post Adam.

I posted the article on the presumption that it referred to the same memorial as in the photos?

Anne

Adam Brown · Posted: Wed Jan 21, 2009 2:49 pm Post subject:

Sorry Anne, with the blue text for Scotsman posts I thoght it was ADP!

I have posted a query on the Leith history forum to see if they can confirm if the memorial is still there.

Thanks for posting it.

Cheers

Adam
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Scottish Monuments & Memorials